7 Directions of Service believes that in order to make meaningful and lasting change it is critical to address root causes and dismantle oppressive systemic power structures. Grassroots leadership rooted in responsibility to community and utilizing strategies grounded in an Indigenized worldview and decolonizing frameworks is a powerful path forward.
We believe in building equitable and respectful community organizing practices, getting to the root of the matter, uplifting intersectionality, and furthering a healing path. Understanding the impacts of the power and privilege structures of colonialism, racism, patriarchy, and capitalism is essential. Additionally, committing to healing practices both in our work and our lives is essential to the longevity and joy of the work before us.
Our trainings, workshops, and camps are not exclusive to Indigenous peoples; rather, our leadership model is shaped from an Indigenous worldview, which emphasizes deep acknowledgment of place-based knowledge and the joy and responsibility of building community.
"This training was great, I learned so much, and enjoyed the videos and workshops especially in person."
- Sarah
Human Rights Training
Join 7 Directions of Service for an immersive Human Rights Training designed to empower individuals, communities, and organizations to understand and apply international human rights principles in everyday life. Grounded in the frameworks of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) and global human rights law, this training connects international standards to local struggles for sovereignty, environmental justice, and community well-being. Participants will explore key topics including rights-based advocacy, Free, Prior, and Informed Consent (FPIC), cultural and environmental rights, and how to engage with UN mechanisms. Through interactive workshops, real-world case studies, and community reflection, attendees will gain the tools and confidence to uphold human dignity, protect sacred lands, and advance justice at every level.
Learning About the American Indian Policies of the Southeast Before 1776
This training explores the early foundations of American Indian policy in the Southeast before the founding of the United States. Participants will learn how colonial powers—British, French, and Spanish—developed diplomatic, trade, and military relationships with Indigenous nations such as the Occaneechi, Saponi, Catawba, and Creek, and how these interactions shaped land use, sovereignty, and governance. Through historical documents, maps, and storytelling, attendees will uncover how treaties, alliances, and conflicts prior to 1776 laid the groundwork for later U.S. Indian policy. The session invites participants to reflect on how these early policies continue to influence Indigenous rights, sovereignty, and environmental justice today.
Free, Prior, and Informed Consent Training
This course provides a comprehensive understanding of Free, Prior, and Informed Consent (FPIC) — a cornerstone of international human rights law that affirms Indigenous Peoples’ right to decide what happens on their lands, territories, and resources. Rooted in the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP), FPIC represents both a legal standard and a living practice of self-determination.
Through engaging lectures, storytelling, and real-world case studies, participants will learn how FPIC applies to community governance, environmental protection, cultural heritage, and resource development. The training explores how to recognize valid consent processes, identify violations, and build Indigenous-led mechanisms for consultation and decision-making.